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Medicines are inaccessible for the majority of West Africans. This inaccessibility contributes to the persistence and spread of diseases in the ECOWAS region. Although production capacity exists in the region, most of the medicines are still imported. Furthermore, production and efficacy of medicines and vaccines depend on several factors among which are, an effective regulatory regime, enforcement of legislation, quality control, pharmacovigilance and safety, adequate application of intellectual property flexibilities, procurement and storage systems, prescription, delivery and rational use of medicines, development of capacities in specialised human resources as well as innovation, research and development.

Problem Statement

The inadequate accessibility of medicines, vaccines and other health products, limits universal health coverage in the region.

Programme Objective

Improve access to essential medicines, vaccines and other health products.

Programme Outcomes:

Access to essential medicines, vaccines and other health products improved

Programme Components

Medicines,

Vaccines,

Other health products

Specific Objectives

Srengthen the capacities of pharmaceutical units in the region including the National Medicines Regulatory Authorities;

Facilitate the integration of intellectual property flexibilities into national policies and legislation;

Faciliate the development and implementation of policies for promoting innovation, research and development of pharmaceutical products;

Improve access to quality medicines

Major Interventions

Supporting local pharmaceutical production

Strengthening the procurement and distribution chain

Building capacities for regulation and the regional harmonization process

Improving quality assurance systems

Strengthening strategies for controlling counterfeiting and the illicit trade in medicines and vaccines